Why Babies Love Peekaboo
Peekaboo is a timeless game that transcends cultural and language barriers. It's a simple yet powerful game that has been enjoyed by babies and caregivers for centuries.
The earliest specific reference to peekaboo can be found in the 16th-century play "The House of Atreus" by Italian playwright Giovanni Battista Giraldi. In this play, there is a scene where a character plays a game called "Gioco della scoperta," which translates to "game of discovery" or "game of uncovering." This game involves covering and uncovering one's face, like the peekaboo game played with infants.
The Surprising Universality of Peekaboo
Peekaboo is universally loved by infants and seems to come naturally to babies, regardless of where they are in the world. It's a game that babies discover for themselves, often leading to fits of giggles and laughter. This universality suggests that peekaboo taps into something fundamental in the minds of infants, providing valuable insights into the development of human thought.
Object Permanence and the Peekaboo Effect
One of the early theories behind why babies enjoy peekaboo is the concept of object permanence. This is the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they are out of sight. For babies, who are still learning about the world around them, the reappearance of a hidden object (or person) in peekaboo is a delightful surprise that helps them grasp this fundamental concept.
The Element of Surprise
Peekaboo also employs the basic structure of a good joke: surprise balanced with expectation. Research has shown that babies enjoy peekaboo more when the outcome is predictable. When the game deviates from the expected outcome, such as when the adult hides and reappears as a different person, babies show less enjoyment. This suggests that peekaboo is not just about the surprise of the reveal, but also about the satisfaction of predicting the outcome.
The Adaptive Nature of Peekaboo
Another reason for the enduring popularity of peekaboo is its adaptability. As babies grow and develop, the game can evolve to match their abilities. From simple looming in the early months to more complex hiding and reappearing as they get older, peekaboo can be tailored to provide the right balance of predictability and surprise for each stage of development.
Peekaboo is much more than just a simple game of hide-and-seek. It's a powerful learning tool that helps babies understand concepts like object permanence and prediction. Its universality and adaptability make it a timeless favorite among babies and caregivers alike. The next time you play peekaboo with your little one, remember that you're not just having fun – you're helping them learn and grow.
